Update: I have been enjoying my time back at my apartment this past week. I am slowing getting back to "normal" as far as my back goes, and have been able to get around a little better the past few days. Today I went to the State Park with Betsy and got some sun...i have to make it real clear where my tan lines are so the surgeon knows exactly where to "hide" the incision. I plan to stay here at least for a few more days and then it will be back to Holland to finish out this wait for surgery. I hope that the docs are enjoying their vacations with their families and that they return feeling rested and ready to fix me up. Two weeks from today! Thanks for everyones cards, thoughts and prayers. I am so blessed!!

Yesterday Lance and I took the Cavy to her final resting spot. The steel scrapyard in Gaylord. I was very impressed that she made it 30 miles without breaking down. Anyway, now that Betsy has the Focus, the Cavy can finally relax before being made into something else at the steelyard.

A bit rusty i would say.

A State fan to the grave.


Before we left for the scrapyard we decided to have a little "fun." I don't get to see that everyday. Mind you I had to drive it to the junkyard after we did this. I got some pretty odd looks going down the highway with holes in the side of my car. I had fun though.

Smokes is here for a quick visit. He came with Betsy and he is leaving tomorrow. So far he has been enjoying his little vacation; getting plenty of lovin' from everyone. He was reunited with his girlfriend Dirty from this winter. I can't tell who is enjoying the lovin' more Dad or Smokes?!?As you can see, Smokes is absolutely huge.

Nothing beats a good rub to the armpits! His face says it all!!!

We have a date for surgery.....AUGUST 14th. After a rough morning trying to come to terms with the fact that surgery is still 3.5 weeks away I am now ready to accept it and get ready. This was the earliest date due to the fact that I need two surgeons and a chunk of time in a very busy operating room. Doctors need vacations too...right?!? Anyway, I am glad that I at least have a date. Everyone continues to be so supportive and I am blessed to have such awesome friends and family. Look at the bright side at least I have a new found love for word searches, The Food Network and the awesome bed in mom and dad's spare bedroom. I will continue to post as I know more.

I had an appointment with the neurosurgeon today and....after much thought and prayer I have decided to have surgery. The doctor seems to be a smart guy..ha he better be....and he recommends I have a spinal fusion. We did not schedule a date yet, but we are shooting for sometime next week. Meanwhile I have a few pre-surgery items I need to take care of. Today I was fitted for a special, not so stylish, hard back brace that I will have to wear for 8 - 12 weeks after surgery...yippie...NOT! I also have to go get xrays tomorrow and at some point I need to have some blood work done. I am nervous, but excited to get this over with and start recovering. I am praying that this is what needs to be done and that I will be back to new by Christmas. I spoke with my work today and hopefully after recovering I will still have a position available for me at the hospital. Anyway just a quick update I am sure I will speak to everyone at some point over the phone. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

Today its all about you!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BETSY!!!I hope you have a great day....relax and enjoy.

My discogram went well yesterday. It was painful as expected, but I think they were able to obtain the information they needed. I have a feeling that two discs are "bad" though, so I am not sure if they are going to be able to fix it with surgery or not. Monday I have an appointment with the neurosurgeon again and we will review the discogram and hopefully come up with a game plan. I am praying that someone will be able to do something for me. Other than that I am doing alright, I have been pretty tired and sore today so I have just been laying low. I had a few visitors tonight so that was fun. Thanks for the continued encouragement and prayers.

Good news! My discogram got moved up to tuesday instead of thursday. I will still meet with the dr. on monday and then tuesday at 10:45 is my test...although painful, moving it up is a real answer to prayer! I am anxious to get the show on the road if you know what I mean. It will be easier to lay here if I know there is a plan to recovery. I hope everyone is having a great weekend...I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for the continued thoughts, prayers and messages. They never fail to brighten my day!!!!

Update

just a quick update about my back......
i am scheduled to meet with a dr about my discogram on monday at noon. Then on Thursday I have that horrible test done. pray for that one because it really is the most painful thing i have ever had to go through and i even promised myself after the last one that I would never do that again....oh well "sorry to myself because I lied." After the discogram it will be back to the neurosurgeon to schedule a date for surgery. Hopefully this will all happen in a timely fashion as my patience is beginning to thin. I will keep everyone updated as much as I can, sorry I don't have any sweet pictures to post this time. I can tell you that the ceiling in the Harley barn is very nice and textured....i never knew that before all of this. Anyway, thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. My family is the best!